Once Zangief turns into Mech-Zangief, he permanently gains Super Armor. He cannot be launched, knocked down or thrown. He also cannot block, and jumps lower. On the other hand, he inflicts heavier damage, and the damage he receives is reduced.

He also gains access to the Siberian Breath special attack and the Siberian Blizzard Hyper Combo. He can return to his normal form through the same input (this is known as Iron Body Cancel).